It’s an interesting question, but I think the author is not arguing to change the actual divisions in every case, just to skip contested labels and go directly to the definitions that underlie them when needed. [1]
Next time you get lured into a sticker debate, stop. Use a label only if its admission criteria are crystal clear and uncontested. Otherwise, assume the label is moving contraband premises. Seize the cargo and answer the real question hidden underneath.
Saying “weight measured without balloons” skips having to define “weight” if there isn’t agreement. In sports, skip making everyone agree on the definition of “woman”.
However, I agree that the question of when to change the division and when to keep it persists even agreeing on definitions. The man can continue to argue the competition should use weight with balloons. People can argue a competition among only cis-women is unfairly discriminatory against trans-women. But it’s at least a bit simpler and clearer than trying to argue the same thing + the definition of words.
It’s an interesting question, but I think the author is not arguing to change the actual divisions in every case, just to skip contested labels and go directly to the definitions that underlie them when needed. [1]
Saying “weight measured without balloons” skips having to define “weight” if there isn’t agreement. In sports, skip making everyone agree on the definition of “woman”.
However, I agree that the question of when to change the division and when to keep it persists even agreeing on definitions. The man can continue to argue the competition should use weight with balloons. People can argue a competition among only cis-women is unfairly discriminatory against trans-women. But it’s at least a bit simpler and clearer than trying to argue the same thing + the definition of words.
Similar to Taboo Your Words